According to the International Association of Firefighters, in 2018, 70% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths were cancer-related.

“We want them to understand that this is not just a statistic, these are not just numbers. These are husbands, fathers, wives, brothers and sons who have lost their lives or had their lives turned upside down,” said Rabon.

Rabon had to deal not only with her husband’s death but also the enormous cost of his medical care.

“And we can’t get him back, but we can try to ask lawmakers to change the future so that it will be better for future families who are in need of help,” she said.

While Rabon hopes for change to come for other families, she will always have a constant reminder of her husband’s sacrifice.

“It hangs in our home, and it’s a remembrance of the sacrifices he made to the community. And he will always be in our hearts,” Rabon said.

500 boots will be placed on the capitol steps tomorrow—- each representing a #Florida firefighter that has died from or is battling cancer.